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In 2024, there is a beauty device for just about every skin concern. Want to lift your visage? A couple of minutes with a microcurrent device will help deliver a sculpted look. Looking to minimize your fine lines and wrinkles? Red light therapy masks will do the trick. Dealing with hair loss? There are tons of cool gadgets designed to boost growth. And if you have acneic skin? A nifty little tool called a high frequency wand will zap away all your blemishes and imperfections.
"High frequency helps to kill acne-causing bacteria, soothe inflammation, and oxygenate the skin which makes it most beneficial for acne-prone skin," says Emma Smith, Licensed Esthetician & Learning and Development Manager at Glowbar.
The tool uses "a gas-filled glass electrode (argon or neon) to produce ozone, which has antimicrobial properties to eliminate bacteria and fungi," explains Kerry Benjamin, an esthetician and founder of StackedSkincare. "Argon gas emits a violet light and is used for treating acne, while neon emits an orange light and is more effective for stimulating hair growth and providing anti-aging benefits."
Ahead, Smith, Benjamin, and another expert break down everything you need to know about the technology, plus we're sharing the best high frequency wands on the market.
Pros
Safe for cystic and active acne- Heals emerging pimples
Cons
Considered one of the most effective devices on the marker, this high frequency wand produces an argon gas electrode to oxygenate skin, which as a result, safely kills acne-causing bacteria. It also helps boost circulation, minimize inflammation and redness, and prevents future breakouts. Additionally, the device comes with several attachments that can be used all across the body, including a comb which T&C's deputy digital lifestyle director Roxanne Adamiyatt is a fan of using for boosting hair growth.
One reviewer raves: "I highly recommend this High Frequency Acne Device. My Aesthetician recommend that I could purchase online . It has turned out to be one of my purchases made. I still get cystic acme on my chin and lower jaw line. If I feel like I’m getting a cyst, I just use this device all over the pimple and cystic acne spot. Come morning the cystic acne has shrunk to nearly nothing. All I can say is this beauty ideal is a must for your beauty collection."
Attachments: Comb Elecrode, Point Electrode, Mushroom Electrode, Spoon Electrode
Gas Type: Argon
How to Use: With the attachment of choice, apply the wand to your face until you feel a slight tingling. Move the wand in a circular motion over the blemish 1-3 minutes. The device can be used up to 20 minutes.
Pros
- Shortens lifespan of blemish
- Kills acne-causing bacteria
Cons
Skin Gym's tool is "designed to help treat acne, reduce inflammation, and boost collagen production," skincare expert and Skin Gym founder Karina Sulzer explains. "It uses gentle electrical currents to deliver oxygen to the skin's surface, killing acne-causing bacteria and stimulating circulation. This can result in clearer, smoother skin with improved texture and tone. It's often used to target blemishes and improve overall skin health with regular use."
One reviewer raves: "Wow, this really works. I’ve used this once and my acne is way less red and inflamed. Like immediately! Great tool if you have cystic acne that’s stubborn toward other topical treatments."
Attachments: Spoon Electrode, Dot-Point Electrode, Mushroom Electrode
Gas Type: Neon & Argon
How to Use: With the attachment of choice, apply the wand to your face until you feel a slight tingling. Place a piece of gauze/cotton over treatment area and move the wand in a circular motion over the blemish 1-3 minutes.
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Pros
- Tightens and plumps skin
- Reduces the look of fine lines
Cons
Not only does this tool help zap away pesky spots, but it also delivers anti-aging benefits and allows your favorite creams and serums to absorb better. Bonus: The set includes six wands that can be used on problem areas all over the body.
An Amazon reviewer writes: "This wand has been life changing for some stubborn deep pimples I had postpartum. I use it for no more then 5 min all over on my face and shoulders where I had three deep pimples and it has healed them from inside out… no more having to extract them! Very grateful and I even used the lowest setting."
Attachments: Mushroom Electrode, Y-Shape Electrode, Comb Electrode, Tongue Electrode, Rod Electrode, Spot Electrode
Gas Type: Neon & Argon
How to Use: With the attachment of choice, apply the wand to your skin and move it in small, circular motions for 2-3 minutes at a time. Use 2-3 times a week.
Pros
- Minimizes large pores
- Reduces hair frizz
Cons
In addition to calming acneic skin, this high frequency wand helps diminish the look of wrinkles and fine lines, soften dry hair, eliminate dandruff, and reduce hair loss.
One Amazon shopper writes: "Blew my mind. Never write reviews and wasn’t expecting much. Had this done at a facial this week so I bought it and within two days cystic acne is mostly gone and my super large pores i’ve had all my life are almost invisible. Don’t know how this makes skin smoother but i’ll take it!"
Attachments: Mushroom Electrode, Tongue Electrode, Bend Electrode, Comb Electrode
Gas Type: Neon & Argon
How to Use: With the attachment of choice, apply the wand to your skin and move it in small, circular motions for up to 10 seconds at a time. Use 2-3 times a week for up to 20 minutes.
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Pros
- Reduces wrinkles
- Helps skincare products absorb into skin better
Cons
Also from Pure Daily Care, this fused high frequency wand simultaneously emits both argon and neon gas to clear skin of any imperfections, while also reducing wrinkles, tightening the skin, and boosting your complexion's natural radiance.
One shopper says: "This Nuderma High wave frequency wand is everything it claims to be and more. I am genuinely so incredibly happy I found it on Amazon and got the best price for this version. I am using it 3 times a week and have already noticed a change in fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots."
Attachments: Mushroom Electrode, Y-Shape Electrode, Comb Electrode, Tongue Electrode, Rod Electrode, Spot Electrode
Gas Type: Neon-Argon Fusion
How to Use: With the attachment of choice, apply the wand to your skin and move it in small, circular motions for 2-3 minutes at a time. Use 2-3 times a week.
Is a high frequency wand worth it?
"Yes, high frequency wands definitely work and show lasting skin benefits and results," says Smith. For best results, "I recommend not turning the wands at levels that are too high," notes Smith. "Start low and slow and make sure to keep it moving! If you stay still for too long on one spot you can burn yourself. The same goes for too high of a setting!"
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What are the best practices of using a high frequency wand at home?
"It's best to use high-frequency wands after cleansing bare skin for antibacterial purposes," says Smith. "If you're using the product to drive in skin you can apply a hydrating mask and then use the device on top."
How often can you use a high frequency wand?
It is safe to use a high frequency wand everyday. "I wouldn’t avoid the use of high frequency on any skin type. People who are super sensitive could potentially be irritated by it but if you use it at a low level, it works for all skin types," Smith says, noting that you should "only use one for about 2-3 minutes maximum or to spot-treat a breakout."
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What are the side effects of a high frequency wand?
"Common side effects of high frequency include temporary redness and slight tingling," says Smith, adding that "contraindications for high frequency are pregnancy, epilepsy, cancer, pacemakers, cochlear implants, hearing aids, and high blood pressure. And do not use less than 2 weeks post injections."
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Sophie Dweck
Sophie Dweck is the Associate Shopping Editor for Town & Country, where she covers all things fashion, beauty and lifestyle, shares her expertise on the most worthwhile luxury products, tests and writes in-depth reviews on the very best essentials worth investing in, as well breaking news about the latest launches, and of course, reports on the biggest sales and deals to shop no matter the day. Some of her favorite items to date are Gwyneth Paltrow's ski trial cardigan, the Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser, and ZIIP’s microcurrent device. When Sophie isn't testing state-of-the art beauty tech or breaking down TikTok aesthetics, she loves indulging in BonBon sweets (Sorbisars, for the win!) and finding the next trend before it goes viral.
